DSA Danish two-hander
Aug 4, 2011 20:24:41 GMT
Post by Enkidu on Aug 4, 2011 20:24:41 GMT
Danish Two-hander
How it came to be
A year ago, Eyal from Darksword armory started a sword design contest here at SBG. There was 3 categories, Two handers, one handers and fantasy. The two handers category resulted in a tie where John Erickson's saber and my danish styled sword both won.There was a lot of interesting designs, material that DSA could have used for a couple of designs IMO. You can judge by yourself the details can be viewed here on the old board : sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... read=16495
Disclaimer
I do not work for Darksword armory but the sword was given to me as a prize from a sword design contest. I didnt get any hints from Eyal toward releasing anything else than a fair review. There may be no such thing as a totally objective review even more if you designed the sword your reviewing, but i'll try to stay as neutral as i can
First impressions
When Eyal put the picture of the sword in the makers and vendors section i almost immediately contacted him about the when, where, how i'll get it. Knowing that he resides not that far from my place it was just a question of setting up the right time to pick it up at his place. Upon arriving i saw that Eyal's garage door was open, he was there working on sharpening a few swords and he finally presented me with the long awaited prize. I had seen the stats he putted up but couldnt believe they were right before i actually handled it... and guess what ? They are right ! It is light as stated. The scabbard too gave me a good impression, first time i saw one of their new version it was almost two years ago at a med fair where Eyal showed me a preview of their new scabbards, at the time i was quite impressed by the quality, and i'm still really impressed by it, anyhow, more on this later. By the way : Eyal's garage is full of sword and armor goodies, Its the Eyal Azerad cavern of wonders
Comparaison shot between a VA pratical two hander and the danish
Stats
After winning the contest, one of the first thing i said to Eyal was to try to keep the final product under 4lbs, knowing that DSA had a reputation of overbuilding some of their products i wanted to give them some sort of challenge regarding what most consider their biggest flaw. And also, i wanted to see a final product that i could be proud of, in that regard the DSA team showed me what they are capable of. Not only its their longest sword, but its also one of their lightest. Hats off guys, you nailed it !
Total lenght : 49,50''
Guard : 9,5''
Handle : 9''
Pommel : 2''
Blade : 38''
Ricasso and P.O.B : 4,5''
Pommel : 2''
Blade at the ricasso : 1'25''
Blade width after the ricasso : 1,75''
Weight : Easily under 3lbs on a stupid bathroom scale, i will get a precise weight at the job next monday, if i dont : remind me !
POB shot :
Hysterical Overview :
Ok, first things first, i'm not making fun of historical hysterics that crawls our forum of other forums. In fact i might be one of them from time to time, its just that it wasnt in the very nature of this design, its a danish-theme sword, inspired by the historical pieces, this as nothing to do with DSA's interpretation of the design; it was designed that way. So really... i wont write two pages about the how this sword represent the great dane weapons, it only has been inspired by those.
Pommel
I designed the pommel bigger, with an inversed nut shape, DSA's rendition is smaller and more like an inverted pear shape. Smaller is a good call by DSA, the balance would have been affected if they had followed my original drawing, they really got it right regarding the weight and size. But, knowing they would have gone for a more rounded shape i would have called for some wavy patterns in the decorative lines instead of straight ones. But still... i found that they made a very original pommel out of it, and i must say that even if it doesnt match my design it does look good.
Handle
Ok.. i wont say too much about this one, first you need to know that i'm quite picky about handles, if one part of a sword MUST be done to your tastes it is the handle. First its too round : edge alignment on a trusting sword is touchy, if you want good result it needs to be pretty precise, a round handle isnt the way to achieve it. It need angles. Next, its too short, for a trusting sword where you can grab the ricasso for additional leverage the handle must be very long to give plenty of options, particularly if you want to use it as a spear, the pommel does a nice job at this, but the handle needs at least a couple of inches more to be useful. And lastly the cord wrapping : guys, its nice to put cord under the leather, but please put some outside too while the glue dries, the details of the wrapping will pop-up and the overall finish will be much nicer.
Cross
Probably the most un-historical piece of the sword, personally i really like it, its nice, got lots of cool details, the edges are smooth, cant ask for more.
Blade
Wow. I mean wow. Perfect to one little detail, on one side the fuller isnt centered perfectly with the guard. But nonetheless its 38 inches of pure awesomeness. The blade doesnt reflect its price point, not at all. I've seen cheapest blades on costlier swords. Stiff as a trusting sword needs to be, a good flex that shows a nice heat treatment a polish over Hanwei, Merc grade Atrim or VA can offer. Oh.. and guess what ? Slight distal tapper ! Yes !
Scabbard
As you can see in the hands-on pics i'm not a light framed guy, although the belt and suspension system was perfect, i feared that it would feel too tight but no. Everything is well put together and looks good. The wood under leather construction is well executed. But it lacks a bit in the finish and details department, a coloring option for both the scabbard and the suspension system is a must if they want to follow the current popular trend ( color option for the handle too by the way ). The leather laces are a bit crudely cut, but even then it is a nice and very functional scabbard, just commissioning a scabbard like this one might cost you around 200$. So overall nice job on this one.
Handling and cutting
I'm such a jerk about handles because for me what makes or breaks a sword is the handling. Handling is made of two things, the handle where you grab and control the sword and the balance. ( i'll talk about the vibration nodes later ).
Like i said before i'm not totally satisfied about the handle but the balance... how can i put it ? I have a Angus trim 1326 and a Tinker sword ( the one pictured on the cover of Medieval sword in modern time ) so i'm not new to well balanced swords and i have to say that in the last months i've been impressed by 3 swords. First and foremost my original 1796 light cavalry saber, the way its designed, the weight distribution etc, the two others are the Kurgan sword and the danish, both by DSA. I've held numerous DSA models and they never showed me that kind of control, balance and well placed nodes. But the Kurgan ( which i dont like the looks at all by the way ) and the danish are spot on. The danish is almost 50'' long and handles marvelously with one hand.. in fact i think i have more fun cutting one handed with it ( please someone else do a review and share the impression on this ! Todash i'm looking at you !) than i had with two hands, i almost feel i'm overpowering it when i use two hands. The sweet spot is 8 inches from the tip ( remember its a trusting sword ) and have a good 4 inches long. The last two inches cuts surprisingly well also. When you tap the pommel the handle part where your first hand rest stays almost vibration less. If DSA continues in this fashion they'll be serious players in this market for the backyard cutters Oh.. and yes, it does trust like there's no tomorrow. Sadly.. i must inform you that trees and other plant beings were harmed during this review, which is not normally my kind of targets but this time i had too... disgusting nature nature disgracing pictures available on request.
Fit and finish
No discernible flaws so far, no rattling, no gaps between the cross and the blade, no wavy leather stitching ( although the stitching is clearly visible, that may bother some ) the blade is straight and the polishing job is worth of mention for a sword at this price point.
Pros
Well made and solid, DSA reputation at its best.
Handles way better than you might expect.
Lightness balance and tapering.
Cons
Handle, wrap and shape and length.
Fuller slightly off center.
No coloring options.
So ?
While thinking about it i came to one conclusion : it feels like a pricier sword.
Oh... Please stay tuned for the next contest winners designs, i've had some insights while at Eyal's place and the best is yet to come !
How it came to be
A year ago, Eyal from Darksword armory started a sword design contest here at SBG. There was 3 categories, Two handers, one handers and fantasy. The two handers category resulted in a tie where John Erickson's saber and my danish styled sword both won.There was a lot of interesting designs, material that DSA could have used for a couple of designs IMO. You can judge by yourself the details can be viewed here on the old board : sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... read=16495
Disclaimer
I do not work for Darksword armory but the sword was given to me as a prize from a sword design contest. I didnt get any hints from Eyal toward releasing anything else than a fair review. There may be no such thing as a totally objective review even more if you designed the sword your reviewing, but i'll try to stay as neutral as i can
First impressions
When Eyal put the picture of the sword in the makers and vendors section i almost immediately contacted him about the when, where, how i'll get it. Knowing that he resides not that far from my place it was just a question of setting up the right time to pick it up at his place. Upon arriving i saw that Eyal's garage door was open, he was there working on sharpening a few swords and he finally presented me with the long awaited prize. I had seen the stats he putted up but couldnt believe they were right before i actually handled it... and guess what ? They are right ! It is light as stated. The scabbard too gave me a good impression, first time i saw one of their new version it was almost two years ago at a med fair where Eyal showed me a preview of their new scabbards, at the time i was quite impressed by the quality, and i'm still really impressed by it, anyhow, more on this later. By the way : Eyal's garage is full of sword and armor goodies, Its the Eyal Azerad cavern of wonders
Comparaison shot between a VA pratical two hander and the danish
Stats
After winning the contest, one of the first thing i said to Eyal was to try to keep the final product under 4lbs, knowing that DSA had a reputation of overbuilding some of their products i wanted to give them some sort of challenge regarding what most consider their biggest flaw. And also, i wanted to see a final product that i could be proud of, in that regard the DSA team showed me what they are capable of. Not only its their longest sword, but its also one of their lightest. Hats off guys, you nailed it !
Total lenght : 49,50''
Guard : 9,5''
Handle : 9''
Pommel : 2''
Blade : 38''
Ricasso and P.O.B : 4,5''
Pommel : 2''
Blade at the ricasso : 1'25''
Blade width after the ricasso : 1,75''
Weight : Easily under 3lbs on a stupid bathroom scale, i will get a precise weight at the job next monday, if i dont : remind me !
POB shot :
Hysterical Overview :
Ok, first things first, i'm not making fun of historical hysterics that crawls our forum of other forums. In fact i might be one of them from time to time, its just that it wasnt in the very nature of this design, its a danish-theme sword, inspired by the historical pieces, this as nothing to do with DSA's interpretation of the design; it was designed that way. So really... i wont write two pages about the how this sword represent the great dane weapons, it only has been inspired by those.
Pommel
I designed the pommel bigger, with an inversed nut shape, DSA's rendition is smaller and more like an inverted pear shape. Smaller is a good call by DSA, the balance would have been affected if they had followed my original drawing, they really got it right regarding the weight and size. But, knowing they would have gone for a more rounded shape i would have called for some wavy patterns in the decorative lines instead of straight ones. But still... i found that they made a very original pommel out of it, and i must say that even if it doesnt match my design it does look good.
Handle
Ok.. i wont say too much about this one, first you need to know that i'm quite picky about handles, if one part of a sword MUST be done to your tastes it is the handle. First its too round : edge alignment on a trusting sword is touchy, if you want good result it needs to be pretty precise, a round handle isnt the way to achieve it. It need angles. Next, its too short, for a trusting sword where you can grab the ricasso for additional leverage the handle must be very long to give plenty of options, particularly if you want to use it as a spear, the pommel does a nice job at this, but the handle needs at least a couple of inches more to be useful. And lastly the cord wrapping : guys, its nice to put cord under the leather, but please put some outside too while the glue dries, the details of the wrapping will pop-up and the overall finish will be much nicer.
Cross
Probably the most un-historical piece of the sword, personally i really like it, its nice, got lots of cool details, the edges are smooth, cant ask for more.
Blade
Wow. I mean wow. Perfect to one little detail, on one side the fuller isnt centered perfectly with the guard. But nonetheless its 38 inches of pure awesomeness. The blade doesnt reflect its price point, not at all. I've seen cheapest blades on costlier swords. Stiff as a trusting sword needs to be, a good flex that shows a nice heat treatment a polish over Hanwei, Merc grade Atrim or VA can offer. Oh.. and guess what ? Slight distal tapper ! Yes !
Scabbard
As you can see in the hands-on pics i'm not a light framed guy, although the belt and suspension system was perfect, i feared that it would feel too tight but no. Everything is well put together and looks good. The wood under leather construction is well executed. But it lacks a bit in the finish and details department, a coloring option for both the scabbard and the suspension system is a must if they want to follow the current popular trend ( color option for the handle too by the way ). The leather laces are a bit crudely cut, but even then it is a nice and very functional scabbard, just commissioning a scabbard like this one might cost you around 200$. So overall nice job on this one.
Handling and cutting
I'm such a jerk about handles because for me what makes or breaks a sword is the handling. Handling is made of two things, the handle where you grab and control the sword and the balance. ( i'll talk about the vibration nodes later ).
Like i said before i'm not totally satisfied about the handle but the balance... how can i put it ? I have a Angus trim 1326 and a Tinker sword ( the one pictured on the cover of Medieval sword in modern time ) so i'm not new to well balanced swords and i have to say that in the last months i've been impressed by 3 swords. First and foremost my original 1796 light cavalry saber, the way its designed, the weight distribution etc, the two others are the Kurgan sword and the danish, both by DSA. I've held numerous DSA models and they never showed me that kind of control, balance and well placed nodes. But the Kurgan ( which i dont like the looks at all by the way ) and the danish are spot on. The danish is almost 50'' long and handles marvelously with one hand.. in fact i think i have more fun cutting one handed with it ( please someone else do a review and share the impression on this ! Todash i'm looking at you !) than i had with two hands, i almost feel i'm overpowering it when i use two hands. The sweet spot is 8 inches from the tip ( remember its a trusting sword ) and have a good 4 inches long. The last two inches cuts surprisingly well also. When you tap the pommel the handle part where your first hand rest stays almost vibration less. If DSA continues in this fashion they'll be serious players in this market for the backyard cutters Oh.. and yes, it does trust like there's no tomorrow. Sadly.. i must inform you that trees and other plant beings were harmed during this review, which is not normally my kind of targets but this time i had too... disgusting nature nature disgracing pictures available on request.
Fit and finish
No discernible flaws so far, no rattling, no gaps between the cross and the blade, no wavy leather stitching ( although the stitching is clearly visible, that may bother some ) the blade is straight and the polishing job is worth of mention for a sword at this price point.
Pros
Well made and solid, DSA reputation at its best.
Handles way better than you might expect.
Lightness balance and tapering.
Cons
Handle, wrap and shape and length.
Fuller slightly off center.
No coloring options.
So ?
While thinking about it i came to one conclusion : it feels like a pricier sword.
Oh... Please stay tuned for the next contest winners designs, i've had some insights while at Eyal's place and the best is yet to come !